Section 1 Point A | 5685 La Jolla Boulevard

The first bench.

Section 2 Point B | 5655 La Jolla Blvd.

In the heart of Bird Rock, this beautiful red white and blue, heart themed mosaic bench titled “Heart Centered Community”.

BRCC President John Newsam, Secretary Barbara Dunbar, Artist Jane Wheeler and former Bird Rock resident Erica Bureau, her family members and friends gathered to honor their much loved husband, dad, son & friend Nic Bureau. This lovingly powerful bench radiates the spirit of Nic, anchoring and grounding the wisdom of the Heart. As a loving father, husband, son, and friend, Nic embodied the many qualities of an open heart. His heart essence, which is embedded in the bench , can help us connect to our own inner heart wisdom. These qualities emanate from the words stamped into the clay heart flowers and floating hearts throughout the bench.

He was thoughtful and cared for others. He was sensitive, strong and loved to laugh. He was a devoted son, loving husband, adoring father and loyal friend. Nic’s family members lovingly created the fused glass flower stems, flowers and fused glass throughout the bench. His lovely young daughter Sloane, helped stamp the clay hearts along side artist Jane Wheeler.

It was important for the family to communicate the message “check in with your heart”, reminding us all to be aware of early cardiovascular heart health and screening.

It also reminds us to check in with our heart to ground ourselves and connect to our inner wisdom. In today’s fast paced information age we spend a lot of time in our heads and overloading our brains with information.

Nic’s bench reminds us to reconnect to that inner compass, that inner feeling of love, compassion, kindness, that can help us move through the complexities of life.

Sit on the bench when you need to ground yourself and connect to that inner wisdom and stillness…or whenever you just need a hug! Tune into the vibration of LOVE emanating from the bench…calming, soothing, balancing, harmonizing, creating a field of beauty/harmony/balance within, and send it out into the world.

Section 1 Point C | 5561 La Jolla Boulevard

On Feb 14, 2021 we unveiled a new mosaic bench in memory of Sylvia De Merchant.

This bench comes to us in the midst of Covid-19, lock down, mask wearing and many insecurities around us. This bench is here to bring Light, a ray of sunshine, and joy, back into our surroundings & community. It is a beacon of community spirit, caring, nurturing, motherly wisdom and grounding, helping us make peace with uncertainty, know that we are connected.

Numerous family members and friends came together to sponsor the bench and help make fused glass pieces for the bench under the organization of Sylivia’s dear friend Alison Soderstrom. Colorful & joyful fused glass flowers and suns are imbedded in the bench, creating a dazzling tribute to her shining spirit. Each family member or friend gave a word describing the essence of Sylvia and what she meant to them. These words were then stamped into clay and glazed by Sylvia’s high school daughter Audrey and her friend Sara.

Although Sylvia has passed on, she has left a legacy of warmth, goodness, kindness and motherly love that will shine on to everyone who passes by. She was loved and cherished by so many and embodied the love, compassion, caring and wisdom we all yearn for in our lives. This bench is also a tribute to all moms…for they are the heart of the home, the Flow, the glue that helps hold families together…loving, supporting, nurturing, caring & creating. This bench has a joyful celebration feel to it, a reminder to celebrate, laugh, create joyful moments even in the midst of chaos & confusion that can sometimes surround us. Thank you Sylvia for shining your light on so many people and continuing to inspire us to shine our own light in the world.

Section 1 Point D | 5661 La Jolla Boulevard

“Bloom…Joyfully Enrich, Educate & Create” is a beautiful multicolor hued flowers & faces themed mosaic bench.

Family members Annette, Eddie and Danielle Friedlein gathered to honor their much loved mom & grandmother, Sylvia Schmahmann former resident on Chelsey Ave. This joyful bench unleashes the creative spirit of Sylvia, playfully encouraging us all to enrich ourselves, continue to learn and grow throughout our lives, and create the joy and beauty we wish to see in the world. As a former teacher, translator, and Spanish Village Art Center artist, Sylvia led by example. She was extraordinary in reinventing herself from a full-time mother, to a teacher, to a translator to an artist. Her generous hospitality, creativity and intelligence drew people to her, as she was always interested in others and what they were doing. As a mother, she provided opportunities for her children to receive lessons in music, art, and drama so they could be enriched and educated in multiple ways.

She adored Bird Rock and loved to make fimo clay jewelry that included faces. She would call for people from different cultural backgrounds to interact with one another, encouraging interaction between them, creating a space for all to connect and create together in harmony. The faces in the flowers on the bench, made by the family members, represent this connection between all the cultural backgrounds here in Bird Rock and throughout the world, creating a multicolored blending of beauty.

Sylvia also loved flowers, and all colors, especially purple. The flowers represent the new growth and joy always percolating in humanity, a reminder that we are always creating the world we live in, and we can create that harmony & beauty that we all seek.

One of the leaf tiles mentions a favorite mending stitch from South Africa where she was born, called Boro. Boro translates to “artful mending”. This is such a beautiful stitch & metaphor. It is caring and compassionate, and reminds us that any rip or tear can be mended and recreated into something beautiful, restoring it, making it useful again.

Sit on the bench when you need that creative inspiration or to mend an issue, and feel the spirit of Sylvia there to guide us with that artistic creative motherly flow.

Section 1 Point E | 5649 La Jolla Boulevard

This bench was dedicated in honor of Allan and E. Frances Lolly and their extended family. The essence of this bench can be distilled down to one word, ‘FAMILY’. For 50 years the Lolly family has been rooted in the La Jolla/Bird Rock community, as a stabilizing force representing Family, First, Love, Goodness, Positivity and Kindness. The strength of this family and values they share can be summed up in this excerpt from a beautiful letter written by E. Frances Lolly.

“Dear Bird Rock Foundation,

My late husband, Allan, and I were Bird Rock Parents, Grandparents, and, now, Great-grand parents.  We chose to raise our family in this neighborhood because of this school’s reputation for  excellence in education and community building. 

Eleven members of the Lolly Family have been nurtured and educated at Bird Rock Elementary: our children, Allan, Stuart, and Michele, our grandchildren, Alexcis, Valerie, Schuyler, and Melanie, and our third generation with Nicholas, followed by current Bird Rockers, Caleb and Alina. In addition, our daughter, Lorene, has treasured her role as a teacher in this special place. For 50 years, this neighborhood has meant a great deal to the Lolly Family.

Thank you, Bird Rock, for continuing that tradition in Fall 1951 of strong parent support and community involvement. You are one of the reasons that Bird Rock Elementary School and our neighborhood continues to inspire and successfully educate the children of this community.

Sincerely,

E. Frances Lolly”

Thank you Lolly family for being an inspiration to the Bird Rock Community and all the families that make up the fabric of this neighborhood. We look forward to your bench inspiring families now and into the future, when they walk by, stop, or sit on the bench.

Section 1 Point F | 5651 La Jolla Blvd in front of Universal Travel

This shark themed bench honors Robert Tabor Robinson, a man of courage honor and bravery. During the Vietnam war he fearlessly drove a PVR and saved hundreds of lives by transporting them out of the war zone. The 2 sharks on the top of the bench are a large scale copy of the tattoos located on back of his shoulders. He was fearless, honorable, loving, kind, and grateful. He was loyal, helpful and nice. He loved the ocean and his family, and he radiated all these traits from his Big Heart. Robert represents the courage we all possess that helps us move through the large and small obstacles we encounter in each of our lives. Remembering to be, kind, loving and helpful will help us pass though these difficult times and restore harmony in ourselves and our communities.

Remember the sharks, whenever you need to call on this courage and willpower to help you pass through any obstacles or difficult time on your journey of life.

Section 1 Point G | 5643 La Jolla Boulevard

“Dancing Through Life” is a beautiful green hued leaves & butterflies themed mosaic bench.

Bird Rock resident AJ Mason and his family members Thom, Krista and Michaela gathered to honor their much loved wife & mom Joanne Mason. This powerful bench unlocks the spirit of Joanne, lifting your spirits and guiding you through obstacles, so you can be “Dancing Through Life”. As a marriage and family therapist, Joanne was always helping guide people in their relationships with others and the world. Numerous messages of wellbeing and healing are imbedded in the bench to help us connect to our own inner wisdom. Healing and harmonizing relationships with others, the world, and one’s self is what she was and is here to communicate to the community. “Make This Your Best Life Ever”, “Live The Life You Always Dreamed”, “Be Free”, “Embrace Your Own Style”, “Make Things Better”, “Feel The Worry... And Process It Out”, “Always Evolve and Transform” are just a few of the numerous phrases and words of wisdom emanating from the bench.

Joanne loved to dance and fully expressed and embodied the rhythm of life and creation. She reminds us to express our authentic selves while always transforming into a better version of ourselves, embracing the fluid flow and rhythm of life…so we can be Dancing Through Life.

Sit on the bench when you have an issue/obstacle to overcome and let the spirit of Joanne help you process it out, so you can move on…and dance. Close your eyes and point somewhere on the sided of the bench, and see what message is there for you. Enjoy the magical nature of this bench.

Section 1 Point H | 5639 La Jolla Blvd.

In March 2019 an ocean & fish inspired new mosaic bench was installed in front of 5639 La Jolla Blvd. The new bench will provide additional seating along the boulevard as well as create interactive art that is alive in the heart of Bird Rock and beautifying the streetscape.

Dixie Reynolds and the Stillman family created all of the colorful fused glass fish that swim throughout the bench as well as the ribbon of fused glass tiles on the bench top. Together they told the stories of the essence of Mike Reynolds that is captured in wording on the clay fish found surrounding all sides of the bench. An avid fisherman, Mike was also best known as a “Builder of Dreams” and a man with a “Big Heart” always looking to give back to others with his caring and compassionate nature. He loved building dream homes for people and mentoring others. His family came first with many family trips and adventures where he is remembered as an amazing Papa, Playful, Honest, and Loyal with a great Sense of Humor. He loved his community and was a selfless philanthropist, giving and sharing. He reminded people to Take Care of Mother Earth as well as showed others how to Love and Save Animals through his actions. “Love you 10 million” was his favorite saying to his grandchildren, and this love emanates from his bench spreading his Big Heart love for everyone in Bird Rock to enjoy and pass on.

Section 1 Point I | 5627 La Jolla Boulevard in front of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

In April 2019 two sparkling new mosaic benches sponsored by Bird Rock Coffee Roasters were installed in front at 5627 La Jolla Blvd. The new benches will provide additional seating outside as well as beautify the streetscape in the heart of Bird Rock. Over a thousand pieces of tessare where used in the flowing Matisse inspired design. The design was created by using the template from the original mosaic bench (next to the new bench) created over 10 years ago as part of Bird Rock’s bench beautification program. The benches were created as part of an ongoing effort to beautify the community and add an element of functional art to the streetscape as well as foster community spirit. Over the years the benches have become “placemakers” along the sidewalk and each one has a story to tell.

This new bench (9th in the series of benches) is a synthesis of what Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has created in the community over the past 11 years. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has become an institution and the place to meet in the heart of Bird Rock. The coffee shop is where people from all walks of life, whether they are artists and writers, businesspeople or politicians, students or parents, can come and interact freely. It is a social hub, a place for discussion, thought, relaxation, and a time with friends. People can laugh, share stories, debate, and share ideas in a comfortable and stress free atmosphere. To highlight Bird Rock Coffee Roasters impact on the community, Bird Rock artist Jane Wheeler chose to infuse the bench with numerous words that reflect the positive vibe that The Coffee Roasters has created and continues to create in Bird Rock. Search for the words on the bench next time you visit: PEACE, LOVE, COFFEE, FAMILY, COMMUNITY, ABUNDANCE, KINDNESS, INSPIRE, COURAGE, JOY, COMPASSION, CLARITY, WISDOM.

Section 1 Point H | In front of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters at 5625 La Jolla Boulevard

The second bench, was sponsored by Joe Parker, past BRCC president, and his family in honor of their father Joe Parker, Sr.. Joe Sr. was very involved in the community and loved music, especially the piano. He used to dress up as Mozart and visit the school children to tell them tales of the great composer. Several titles of his favorite piano music are incorporated into the bench as well as his favorite quote, “do all you can to live in peace with everyone”. As the benches were created each one seemed to carry a message for the community.

Each bench is like a treasure hunt where it visually draws the viewer in, but as one looks closer there is more - messages, hidden objects and more depth than what first meets the eye. Wheeler believes that the positive messages inspire people subliminally. She believes in making art come alive in the community, as well as creating beauty, harmony and balance to anchor positivity in public spaces. When people see something beautiful she feels it makes them want to do something for the community to keep it beautiful.

Section 1 Point J | 5623 La Jolla Boulevard

“Circle of Life” was the theme for the 5 th and final upcycled bench in the 5 bench series of the Bird Rock Community Council mosaic bench beautification project, located at 5623 La Jolla Blvd. The 5th bench was created using a green palate of mixed materials and featured fused glass that was hand made by the 3 generations of the Dunklee family, sponsors of the bench. The stones on top and surrounding the bench are handpicked agates and various stones the Wheeler family collected over the summer before the bench was created. Green represents the Heart, Nature, and the compassion for others & the earth.

The theme “Circle of Life” was inspired by a trip Wheeler took to Sedona, AZ and an encounter with the Native American Medicine Wheel which symbolizes the Circle of Life . The circle of life represents “The Individual Journey We Each Must Take To Find Our Own Path”, and this is stamped on the back side of the bench. Each of the 4 directions North, South, East, West represent a part of this path and the different stages in one’s life according to Native American tradition. Inspirational quotes are noted at each direction.

The children’s hand prints symbolize the youth in the circle of life and the fused glass was created by 3 generations of the Dunklee family- grandparents, parents, and grandchildren. Nautilus fossils represent nature and the spiral of life that is ongoing, ever changing and always creating. Old is imbedded in the new.

The “Circle” also represents the last of the 5 benches in the series, tying them all together to create a transformation of beauty & functional art on the Boulevard in Bird Rock. The old worn out benches have been upcycled into an inspiration for all, as well as community placemakers symbolizing a project that was supported, sponsored and created by members of the Bird Rock community.

Section 2 Point A | 5510 La Jolla in front of Riff’s Yoga and Music Studio

This bench was sponsored by the loving family of Todd Cooper, who passed away suddenly in the prime of his life at age 50. Todd was an avid artist, musician, surfer, athlete, teacher, philosopher, Maker/Creator, friend, coach and more. His magical and multi talented spirit is captured within the waves and sea themed tessere of the bench. 

Todd embodied the artistic, self expression that flows through Bird Rock- the freedom to Create, including Creating Community. His open heart, quick wit, Love for his family and friends, as well as caring and compassion for others were an inspiration. His smile and love of the ocean are anchored into the bench for all to feel his beautiful presence when they sit or pass by. Todd reminds us to Be Present and enjoy each of our journeys, since we are really only here for a glimpse in time.

Section 2 Point B | 5646 La Jolla Boulevard

The fourth bench is a call to action, “Love Your Community”. The sponsors Bonnie and Kevin Hall grew up in the 1960’s where everyone had a “cause”, and a “passion”. Kevin attended La Jolla High School, is an active alumni, and now helps substitute teach at the school. Kevin supplied numerous lyrics from his favorite songs that conveyed these messages of action, and these are incorporated into the design.

A Margaret Mead quote is stamped on the side reminding us all that “A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”. This bench resonates with those who read it. For Joe Parker, BRCC president at the time, it inspired him to write this in the BRCC newsletter: “Love Your Community can mean many things. For me, it celebrates the spirit of volunteers and sponsors who steward the many private projects and events that enrich all of our lives. It is easy to get exhausted by the constant call to arms to support a fundraiser, chair a committee or join a work party to perform a beach cleanup. What is less obvious is the passion of these leading volunteers who must first raise the issue and then turn to the community for help. They do it because they love their community and recognize that ‘energy in equals energy out.’”

Section 2 Point C | 5514 La Jolla Blvd.

The sponsors of the third bench, Leon and Sophia, were grandparents and wanted to share their words of wisdom with the community. The handprints were traced from their grandchildren’s hands at that time and bright playful colors were used for the design. So many families create the fabric of Bird Rock and they wanted to share their words of wisdom: “Tend to your children so they grow up kind, respectful, healthy and joyful”, which is imbedded in the bench.

Section 2 Point D | 5710 Bird Rock Avenue

“Bird Rock By The Sea” is located at the foot of Bird Rock Ave., overlooking the ocean. The new bench, created in 2018, marks the 10th anniversary of the bench beautification series and highlights the character attributes of 101 year old Jacob Dekema, past resident of Bird Rock, whose beautiful family sponsored the bench. The words, “Building Bridges, Connecting Community”, highlighted on the bench, was one of his gifts to the community. As the mastermind behind the building of the San Diego freeway system, he created new paths for communities to connect and was affectionately known as “Mr. Caltrans”. This legendary man was a harmonizer, a caring father & grandfather, thoughtful, had a great sense of humor, and was a great storyteller.

He listened to everyone, loved music & loved Bird Rock. He was a man of action, a pillar of a man, a light house, and a good listener. He cared about people and loved the song “Happy Trails”. He had the gift of building bridges with people as well as building real bridges and roads for others to connect. He brought out the best in people around him and as noted on the bench, he would always “Cherish Family and Community”. The spirit of Jacob Dekema and his love of Bird Rock is noted throughout the bench for all to see and absorb the qualities that he emanated and that still emanate throughout Bird Rock today.